It’s almost Splendour time, as the first arrivals make their way on-site and the bands start tuning up for what is sure to be a massive weekend. One of the most hyped acts of the festival are Queens of the Stone Age, who will be returning to Splendour for the first time in 12 years.
As their completely sold-out Hordern Pavilion show proved last night, the veteran act are still very much worthy of their royal title. Here are five QOTSA tracks that are guaranteed to have Byron in tatters after they’re played.
Feel Good Hit of the Summer
It’s one of the most straight-forward and simple songs in the entire Queens canon. Once you’ve learned the seven-item checklist, that’s all you’ll need to have what is sure to be one of the most rousing sing-alongs of the entire festival. Also worth learning well in advance – after all, it’s a list that is practically the “wallet, puffer, smokes, keys” of the music festival world.
Make It Wit Chu
One of the sexiest songs the band has leant its name to, this will serve as a good respite from the heave of the mosh-pit. Not only does it have a killer falsetto chorus that sounds incredible with thousands of people singing it, but the thing just grooves. Certainly doesn’t hurt to have eye candy like Josh Homme singing it directly to you. If you’re with a consenting partner, this is the song to make your move in.
Little Sister
The last time Queens of the Stone Age played Splendour all the way back in 2005, it was on the back of the underrated Lullabies To Paralyze. This, its lead single, was probably the hottest rock song in the world by the time they arrived on Australian shores. Over a decade on, there’s still no mistaking when that cowbell comes in and the power of the riff compels you.
Burn the Witch
While we’re on the topic: This killer 2005 cut is also a surefire hit with a festival audience. There’s no mistaking that bluesy riff, the haunting chorus and that howling sing-along part – if you’ve got any voice left at the end of the day, this is where to channel that energy.
No-One Knows
Duh. Obviously. You thought you were gonna get out of Splendour without “doot-doo-do-doo”-ing along to one of the catchiest guitar riffs of the 21st century?
